Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Sure, here’s a simple recipe for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes along with some important notes:

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Baby potatoes (as many as you’d like)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, grated parmesan, etc.
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped chives, bacon bits, shredded cheese, etc.

Instructions:

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly.
   • Place them in a pot of cold, salted water.
   • Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, usually around 15-20 minutes depending on their size.
   • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
3. Smash the Potatoes:
   • Place the boiled potatoes on a sturdy surface, like a cutting board.
   • Gently press down on each potato with the back of a fork or a potato masher until they are slightly flattened but still hold together.
4. Season the Potatoes:
   • Brush or drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil on both sides. This will help them get crispy in the air fryer.
   • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer. Be creative with your choice of seasonings!
5. Air Frying:
   • Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s some space between them.
   • Air fry for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
6. Serve:
   • Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer.
   • You can top them with additional optional toppings like sour cream, chopped chives, cheese, or bacon bits.
   • Serve the crispy and flavorful smashed potatoes immediately as a delicious side dish.

Notes:

• Potato Size: Choose small baby potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Boiling Time: Boil the potatoes until they are just fork-tender. Overcooking can lead to mushy potatoes.
• Smashing: Gently flatten the potatoes to create more surface area for crisping, but don’t mash them completely.
• Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, or spices like garlic powder and paprika work well.
• Toppings: Toppings are optional but can add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• Spacing: Ensure that there’s some space between the potatoes in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
• Cooking Time: Cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model, potato size, and desired crispiness. Keep an eye on them as they cook.
• Preheating: Preheating the air fryer helps in achieving a crispy exterior.
• Olive Oil: Using olive oil helps in browning and crisping the potatoes. You can also use other cooking oils if preferred.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes!

Of course, here are some additional tips and variations for making Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes:

Tips:

1. Double Cooking: For an even crispier result, you can follow a two-step cooking process. After boiling the potatoes, allow them to cool completely, then refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. This allows the starches in the potatoes to firm up. When ready to cook, proceed with smashing, seasoning, and air frying.
2. Crispy Factor: To achieve maximum crispiness, you can lightly brush or spray the potatoes with oil once more before flipping them during the air frying process.
3. Basket Shake: If your air fryer doesn’t have a turning mechanism, consider shaking the basket gently during cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
4. Potato Parchment: Placing a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer basket can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
5. Size Variation: You can experiment with larger potatoes too, but be prepared to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Variations:

1. Cheesy Smashed Potatoes: Before air frying, sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese) on top of the smashed potatoes. This will create a deliciously cheesy and crispy crust.
2. Herb-Infused Potatoes: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) with the olive oil and drizzle the mixture over the potatoes before air frying. This adds a burst of fresh flavor.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy twist.
4. Loaded Smashed Potatoes: Top the cooked potatoes with classic loaded baked potato toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, crispy bacon, and grated cheese.
5. Sweet Potato Smash: You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter variation. Adjust cooking times as needed.
6. Dipping Sauces: Serve your air fryer smashed potatoes with various dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, ketchup, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce.
7. Asian Flavors: Experiment with Asian-inspired flavors by using sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for seasoning. Serve with a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

Remember, the beauty of cooking is in the creativity you can bring to the table. Feel free to adapt the recipe and techniques to your personal preferences and explore new flavors. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes!